A Physio for hip in Highett explains common causes of hip pain

Hip pains – an almost expected part of aging and a common (if slightly ageist) punchline.

But it’s not just seniors who can suffer from hip pains – in fact, hip problems can strike people of any age.

It should go without saying that hip overuse injuries and can be especially disruptive. Your hip joint provides strength, stability and support – without it, you wouldn’t be able to walk, lean, pivot, or sit without experiencing pain.

So it’s safe to say that your routine is hit fairly hard with a hip that’s out of action!

How different types of hip arthritis cause hip pain

Your hip joint is one of the most durable joints in your entire body (not to mention, the biggest). It has to be, with the amount of work it does!

However, that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible.

The ball and socket joint itself can become painful due to repeated wear or traumatic injury. In particular, many older Australians suffer from hip arthritis.

There are many different types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis (erosion of the entire joint – bone, cartilage and muscle)
• Rheumatism (generally caused by your immune system attacking healthy joints)
• Gout (caused by an excess of uric acid, which crystallize in your joints)
• Polymyalgia rheumatica (pains in the muscles surrounding a joint)

These are just some of the different types of arthritis. While different how they manifest and which part of a joint they affect, the end result is the same: pain in your hip.

Are you suffering from hip bursitis?

As with any other joint in your body, smooth, pain-free movement is impossible without your bursae.

This thin sac acts as a cushion, preventing the bones in a joint from impinging on each other or the surrounding muscle. Additionally, they produce lubricant, ensuring smooth motion.

So logically, remove your bursae out of the picture and you have a recipe for nasty joint pain!

We’ve talked about shoulder bursitis in the past. However, bursitis can affect any joint in your body.

In particular, it can be caused by:

• Wear-and-tear
• Damage to your bursae
• Infection

In many cases however, bursitis is a symptom of a deeper underlying condition – arthritis is one common culprit. In many cases, treating these root causes will relieve much of your hip bursitis.

How back pain can contribute to hip pain

If you ask us, back pain is one of the worst types of pain. Not only because the spine is hands-down the most important part of your skeleton, but also because it can translate to pain elsewhere.

Referred pain is a term we use to describe pain that’s felt some distance away from its root cause.

And since your back is so close to your hips and pelvis, it’s not uncommon for back pain to manifest or masquerade as pain in the hip.

So how do you know whether the problem is your hip or you back? Or both?
You need an expert diagnosis.

The first thing your Physio for hip will do is diagnose the exact cause of your hip pain. We know that treating the root cause is the only way to rid you of pain for good.

Woman in sport bra having a hip pain / Rheumatoid (In Black and White Tone with Red Mark)

‘Pinched’ nerves

Like the name suggests, a pinched nerve is a layman’s description of what happens when too much pressure is put on a nerve by the surrounding tissue.

Bone, cartilage, muscles, tendons… each of these can get on your nerves – literally!

Your nerves are like your body’s data cables. Not only does your brain send commands to the rest of your body using them, but it’s also how your brain receives feedback.

Heat, texture… these are just some of the signals your nerves relay to your brain.

So when something presses on the nerves in your hip, the most common outcome is – you guessed it – hip pain.

Aside from pain, pinched nerves are often accompanied by:

• Loss of feeling in the area supplied by the nerve
• Pins-and-needles
• Muscle weakness in your hip
• Numbness

It’s important to get pinched nerves treated by a Physio for hip ASAP. Failure to do so doesn’t just mean living with pain – it can also lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of sensation.

Why you should see a Physio for hip for hip injuries

A bad landing, break, or fracture all come with pain.

It’s when pain from a hip injury persists well after the injury has healed that you should start worrying.
When you suffer from a hip injury, we recommend booking a session with a Physio for hip, just in case. While most hip injuries will heal properly without the need for invasive intervention, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

A Physio for hip will take a look at your injured hip and prescribe exercises and routines that relieve pain and encourage healing, as well as provide manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization and dry needling.

Not only does this make your life easier as you recover, but it can also prevent hip pain from sticking around!

Need a Physio for hip in Highett?

When it comes to hip pain, your Physio for hip is your best friend. We resolve your pain using a combination of expert knowledge and proven techniques that encourage recovery and strengthen your hip joint.

Depending on the exact cause of your hip pain, we might combine:

• Strength-building exercises
• Massage and dry needling techniques
• Physical supports and braces

Each case of hip pain is unique. As such, it requires tailored solutions.

These are just some of the types of hip pain we can treat. If your hips are stopping you from working, enjoying your favourite sport or even carrying out your day-to-day routine, get in touch with Physio AUS.

Using our unique AUS system, Physio AUS helps you overcome hip pain. We start by diagnosing the exact cause of your hip pain, whether it’s in your hip or otherwise.

Once we know, we can get started on relieving your pain for good!

Get in touch with a Physio for hip in Highett- call our team on 1300 392 552, or book your Breakthrough session online today!